Columbo (1968, United States)
perfect crimedetective storiespolice investigationmurder plot
Running time: 60 minutes per episode
Language: English
Columbo 1968 American mystery movie review
Lieutenant Columbo lives in his own world - he does not carry a gun, he wears an old-fashioned cheap clothes, drives a rusty old car and by all means does not look like you would expect a detective to look or behave. But that is where his secret power lies - his appearance and odd behaviour lowers the guard of the suspects, who do not expect him to be any danger. And that is how he usually catches them.
The formula for Columbo was unique - instead of starting the investigation when the crime is discovered or when the police arrives to the crime scene, we see the killer preparing his or hers plan, we see how they take care of every little detail to fit into the narrative they have built for an alibi. And yet, once Columbo shows up on the scene, every perfect plan falls into pieces. We see from the get-go who the killer is, quite opposite to the usual whodunit formula, the plot is not about finding the culprit, it is about finding a weak spot in their seemingly perfect plan.
Peter Falk, who for over 30 years took the part of Lieutenant Columbo turned this character into an icon because of his scruffy exterior and eccentric behaviour, which contrasts with his analytic mind. The main character was taking on people, who thought they found the perfect plan to commit their crime, they prepared the perfect alibi, but the way Columbo was approaching his suspects was also unique. The loveable character that seemed to be a simpleton, just asking few questions, but with each step he was setting a trap.
Columbo was unique through its main character, the formula and the perfect casting of a comedic actor, it is as entertaining now as it was on the premiere.
Can you solve a mystery like this one?
Our rating |
8 / 10 |
Movie value |
10 / 10 |
Realism factor |
3 / 5 |
Adventure factor |
3 / 5 |
Story complexity |
4 / 5 |
174 |
Discover more
If you enjoy crime dramas, you can test your skills in an interactive mystery game called The Lone Detective. You can play it free via browser. Challenge yourself
Cast of Columbo
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as Lieutenant Columbo | |
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as bartender | |
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as Sergeant George Kramer | |
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as various | |
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as various | |
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as various | |
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as various | |
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as various |
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